Located in South-Central Europe, Austria is a country of picturesque mountains—the Alps. It borders the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Switzerland and Hungary to the west, Slovenia to the south, and Italy to the southwest. This landlocked country offers so much to experience. It is a country of diverse possibilities, from historic cities such as Vienna to the stunning snowcapped Alps. Austrian culture is famous for its unique way of enjoying life (Gemutlichkeit), art, strong coffee, healthy lifestyles, and sports.
This blog looks into some of the top places to visit in Austria and the things to do in Austria.
Top Places to Visit in Austria
- Vienna
- Innsbruck
- Graz
- Bad Gastein
- Wachau
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Vienna
Vienna, the capital city, is located in the eastern part of the country along the Danube River. Vienna ranks high in urban liveability. It offers excellent leisure and cultural activities. The city’s history dates back to the Roman era when it was known as Vindobona. It flourished under the Habsburg monarchy. The Hapsburg rulers were instrumental in building the monumental buildings and art-filled museums that remain popular to this day, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Things to Do in Vienna
- Stroll along Ringstrasse Boulevard, arguably the world’s most beautiful boulevard.
- Visit the Hofburg Imperial Palace, which was home to the Hapsburg rulers for more than 600 years.
- Visit Schonbrunn & Belvedere Palaces and St Stephen's Cathedral.
- Sip Viennese coffee at cosy coffee houses as you admire the Vienna Opera House.
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Innsbruck
A charming mountain town, Innsbruck has a rich history to tell. It is popular for its winter sports. When the first snow falls, skiing enthusiasts and cold-weather lovers flock to Innsbruck. Even during summers, the place offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing along the Inn River. Innsbruck has hosted the Winter Olympic Games twice, in 1964 and 1976. Besides being popular as a health resort, Innsbruck is also known for its imperial and modern architecture.
Things to Do in Innsbruck
- Explore historic sites such as the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), a landmark Old Town (Altstadt) structure. It is considered Innsbruck’s most famous symbol.
- Ski on the slopes of the Austrian Alps.
- Visit winter sports facilities and museums.
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Graz
Graz, the capital of the Austrian province of Styria, is the second-largest city in Austria. It is popular as a college and university city, with four colleges and four universities. Its historic centre is one of the best-preserved city centres in Central Europe and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the nearby Eggenberg Palace. Graz was designated the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2003 and a City of Culinary Delights in 2008.
Things to Do in Graz
- Visit the Eggenberg Palace on a guided tour and discover the mathematical layout of the place.
- Explore modern art at the Kunsthaus Graz.
- Wander through Altstadt von Graz, the historical town centre with cobblestone streets, iconic landmarks, and architecture depicting various eras.
- Enjoy premium-class dining at Caylend Restaurant and Vina.
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Bad Gastein
This is a famous spa town. Visit Bad Gastein and immerse yourself in healing hot spring waters. Nestled on the High Tauern Mountain, the town is known for the belle epoque hotels and villas built on steep, forested slopes. Bad Gastein is very popular among skiing enthusiasts in the winter. You can participate in hiking trails, biking, and outdoor adventures. The town also hosts open studios, creative workshops, and jazz shows and is known for its delectable cuisine and vibrant nightlife.
Things to Do in Bad Gastein
- Don’t miss the stunning Gastein waterfall, which drops 341 metres in three levels.
- Visit attractions such as Molltaler Gletscher, a popular ski resort featuring long trails, dramatic views, and a glass-walled restaurant with a terrace.
- Experience open studios and creative workshops.
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Wachau
The Wachau Valley ranks among the top south Austrian tourist destinations. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it combines cultural significance with breathtaking natural beauty. It attracts wine enthusiasts for its world-renowned white wines. Adorned with splendid monasteries such as the Baroque Melk monastery, castles, and fortresses, the Wachau Valley offers a rich blend of history and architectural wonders. It is one of the best places to visit in Austria.
Things to Do in Wachau
- Explore the Aggstein Castle, a ruined structure on the right bank of the Danube. The castle dates to the 12th century.
- Visit the Baroque Melk monastery. The monastery’s library contains 100,000 books and is among the most famous in Europe.
- Appreciate the picturesque Danube River.
Best Time to Visit Austria
The ideal times to visit Austria are spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). The choice depends on whether you prefer urban or rural experiences. Mountain resorts thrive in winter for skiing and in summer for hiking. Urban centres such as Vienna and Salzburg are year-round destinations. Winter is attractive for skiing. The pleasant spring and fall weather in March-April and September-October mean fewer crowds and lower hotel prices. October, in particular, boasts pleasant and sunny weather.
Travel Insurance for Austria
Now you know the best places to visit and things to do in Austria. Here is one more aspect you should be mindful of—travel insurance.
Travel insurance is crucial when visiting Austria, a member of the Schengen group of nations. It provides financial protection in case of unexpected events such as loss of luggage and medical emergencies. Choosing the right travel insurance that meets your requirements is essential. Hence, before embarking on your trip, invest in travel insurance most suitable for you.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.